Justification:
Listed as Endangered because, the species is restricted to around 400 km² of primary forest on Panay Island, its habitat is severely fragmented, and the population is declining through direct hunting of animals.

This species is endemic to the island of Panay in the Philippines. It is generally distributed in the still forested parts of the mountain ranges of northwestern and western Panay. Animals have been recorded from around 200 to 1,000 m asl.

This highly arboreal species is associated with large trees in primary lowland tropical moist forest. It has been recorded between 200 to 1,000 m asl, however, it is particularly rare above 600 m asl. This is a highly specialized frugivorous monitor lizard. It reportedly needs Dipterocarpaceae as sleeping places (Gaulke 2005). It is unlikely to be present in modified habitats, especially where food trees are absent.

The species is considered to be very threatened by the loss and degradation of its lowland forest habitat, through conversion of land to agricultural use and logging operations. In addition to the threat of habitat loss, this lizard is a favourite food animal, possibly related to its frugivorous diet, and overhunting represents a serious threat to the species.

There are ongoing projects on Panay to conserve remaining areas of suitable habitat, and on the biology and habitat requirements of this lizard, run by non-governmental organizations (Biologische Patenschaften e.V., Eschborn [BIOPAT] and Philippine Endemic Species Conservation Project [PESCP]). The species is present in the Central Panay and North West Panay protected areas. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES.

In-Place Research, Monitoring and PlanningIn-Place Land/Water Protection and Management Occur in at least one PA:YesIn-Place Species ManagementIn-Place Education Included in international legislation:Yes Subject to any international management/trade controls:Yes